The Commonwealth has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences by implementing several bold new federal unemployment policies that are also supported with federal funds. These have provided crucial protection to many workers and the economy, though undocumented workers have been excluded. Since late April, the greatest volume of unemployment claims have been for a new program for workers traditionally ineligible for unemployment insurance. Without new federal legislation, this program will expire at the end of the year. The federally-funded $600 enhancement to weekly benefits will expire at the end of July. The loss of these benefits would hurt many workers and slow the state's economic recovery.

Testimony supporting legislation for state stimulus checks for taxpayers excluded from federal benefits because they pay taxes with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a social security number.

What were the tax breaks provided to the wealthy and businesses in the CARES Act? What is the cost of these tax breaks? Learn how these tax breaks could impact the Commonwealth’s recovery from COVID-19.

To participate effectively in our democracy, people need clear and reliable information about policy choices facing the Commonwealth. MassBudget makes that information available to everyone, providing independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and middle-income children and adults.